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Birmingham v Nottingham Forest

There is little doubt that Birmingham are very much a team to have on your side at the moment. I'm no rocket scientist: just look at the current form table. The Blues have not lost since December 19, a run of 11 league games that extends to 15 matches if you add in four FA Cup ties including Saturday's draw at Chelsea.

Of particular interest is their defensive record: Chris Hughton's side have conceded just six goals in those 15 games, and they have kept four consecutive clean sheets at St Andrews. So, I'm scratching my head as to why we can back them at such an attractive price to maintain that run against the team with the joint-worst goalscoring record in the division!

Admittedly Forest have found the net in each of their last three games, but you can hardly call them hot in front of goal - they have fired a blank in 14 of their 31 league matches. I would be suggesting backing a home win 'to nil' if it wasn't for the fact that Brum have drawn two of their last three at home 0-0.

Back Yes to Birmingham Clean Sheet @ 2.22


Portsmouth v Leeds

It's not quite hoisting up the white flag, but as soon as you get direct quotes from players mentioning the current situation "does affect the players", it's a very pertinent indicator that you should consider getting against that team.

It's hardly surprising that it's Portsmouth we're talking about, given the fact they are in administration, have been docked 10 points, announced a raft of redundancies and cannot even afford a scan for the player who gave those quotes, midfielder Liam Lawrence. He and his teammates have not been paid since December - little surprise they have lost five of their last seven games. They have been beaten in their last two home games without scoring as well. Simply not the time to be running into Leeds, with new manager Neil Warnock at the helm.

United turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win against Doncaster last weekend, with the new boss apparently leaving his seat in the stand to issue a rallying half-time team talk. Leeds have won four of five games away to teams 18th or lower in the table - if Warnock is to drive them into the play-offs then he will surely see a trip to a demoralised and struggling Pompey as an open goal for three points.

Back Leeds @ 2.52


Coventry v Barnsley

When you are as bad on the road as Coventry, it's pretty obvious you are going to have to win at home if you don't want to be playing League One football next season. The Sky Blues are a write-off when they leave the Ricoh: a truly grim three points from a possible 48 so far says it all. But, at home, they are showing the green shoots of a possible recovery - Andy Thorn's side have won four of the last five in front of their own fans, and they include wins over decent sides like Middlesbrough, Brighton and Leeds. If they are to avoid the drop, then they'll have to take maximum points from inconsistent opponents like Barnsley then.

The Tykes have lost eight of their last 12 league games and - essentially for this fixture - have been beaten in four of their last five away fixtures. Also worth noting is that Barnsley have already visited the sides currently in 19th, 21st, 22nd and 24th - they have lost two, drawn two and not scored in any of them.

Back Coventry @ 2.36

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